Handbook on the Historical Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, Esther Paperback - 2008

From the rear cover

"[An] excellent introduction to the Old Testament historical books. . . . Hamilton makes incisive exegetical and interpretive comments at important junctures. The greatest value to his approach, however, is the synthesis of the whole, which helps the reader appreciate the strategy and literary skill of the composition as literature. . . . The book is an important addition to the literature on the Old Testament historical books. Hamilton has clearly done his homework and has packaged his findings in good prose and a coherent, readable style."--Eugene H. Merrill, Bibliotheca Sacra

"Issues of 'history' swirl notoriously around Old Testament studies, highly subjective judgments made in the sober name of critical objectivity. In the midst of the acrimonious swirl, Hamilton cautiously, carefully, and judiciously works his way through the so-called history books of the Old Testament. Hamilton knows all about current scholarly issues but is more interested in the text itself, the way it works, and the way the past is rendered imaginatively. As a consequence, students will find here a clear guide in considering the detail and claim of the text itself, at least for now not needing to engage the scholarly debates that focus outside the text and outside its claims."--Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary

"Handbook on the Historical Books manages to steer between the oversimplified approaches found in many evangelical texts and the complex and speculative theories found in many critical studies of Hebrew historiography. The book gives proper attention to interpretive and critical issues, but this does not obfuscate Hamilton's thorough exposition of the ideology, theology, and content of these ancient Israelite histories. This volume is destined to become a standard evangelical introductory text."--Kenton L. Sparks, Eastern University

"This highly readable handbook combines clear exposition with an informed synthesis of scholarship--truly the work of a master teacher! Hamilton presents narrative summaries of the Historical Books that seamlessly integrate historical, compositional, and literary analysis. Students at all levels will find it to be an excellent guide to the biblical text and to the issues that lie at the heart of scholarly discussion."--L. Daniel Hawk, Ashland Theological Seminary

From the jacket flap

From the tumbling walls of Jericho to a Jewish girl who became the queen of Persia, the historical books of the Bible are intriguing and unquestionably fascinating. In this companion volume to his widely used Handbook on the Pentateuch, veteran Old Testament professor Victor Hamilton demonstrates the significance of the messages contained in these biblical books. To do so, Hamilton carefully examines content, structure, and theology using rhetorical criticism, inductive Bible study, published scholarship, archaeological data, word studies, and text-critical evidence. Hamilton details the events and theological implications of each book chapter by chapter, providing useful commentary on overarching themes and the connections between Old Testament texts. For those who wish to do additional research, each chapter is appended with a bibliography of recent, relevant scholarship. "Professor Hamilton has provided college students and anyone else serious about studying the historiographic books of the Old Testament with an excellent introduction. His careful attention to style and message bring these ancient writings to life." -Daniel I. Block, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary "Victor Hamilton's Handbook on the Historical Books continues the fine work he began in his Handbook on the Pentateuch. Investigating the Old Testament historical books paragraph by paragraph, he provides lucid analyses of the overall messages and important issues in each one. Hamilton's book is clearly written, contains many helpful insights, and is well informed by the best in biblical scholarship. Students and pastors alike will benefit from it." -David M. Howard Jr., Bethel Theological Seminary Author, AnIntroduction to the Old Testament Historical Books Victor P. Hamilton (Ph.D., Brandeis University) is professor of Bible and theology at Asbury College, where he has taught for thirty years. His works include Genesis (2 volumes, NICOT) and Handbook on the Pentateuch.